Last week, my boy was registered at soccer camp – the very same one he’s gone to for the last two summers. At the door he turned to me and said: Can I walk there by myself? He actually winced, thinking I’d say no.
I knew this day was coming. He is eight. I surprised him and myslef by saying, “Um… yes, okay.”
He kissed me goodbye, and walked up the street. The field is only two blocks from the house – he knows the way perfectly well… but I watched him from our front doors.
He is eight.
He knows not to talk to strangers. He knows the way. He knows.
But I watched him anyway. I watched him walk until he turned to wave to me again.
He waved one last time, and I watched him for as long as I could could see him with my eyes. And then I willed him the rest of the way there with my mind, around the corner, past our neighbour’s houses… he knows.
He was perfectly grand.
And camp is over now – just the one week. Now we away to visit grandparents, where I can keep my eyes on him for the entire week, since every time I turn my back, the child just grows.
He just grows.
*sniff*
Enjoy the week, people!!
SO bittersweet! My “baby” is away at camp for a whole month and my other one starts this year for 2 weeks. That means my husband and I have 2 weeks just the two of us. Wonderful! And sad.
My son is also 8 and this year was the first year I let him walk to the bus stop by himself (I can actually see it from my window). Regardless, it was still a huge step in his journey to independence! Can’t believe how quickly the time flies-wish I could slow it down just a little bit sometimes!
Our community police officer gave us (what he feels) are guidelines for children. He felt that until they are physically able to resist any attack that they’re not old enough to be walking on their own. His viewpoint is nothing under 12.
That’s more along the lines of what I feel comfortable with. I know she’s going to want to do it earlier, but for my own sanity I think I’ll go with the police officers recommendation.
What a big scary day…for both of you! Congrats on handling it so smoothly!
They want to grow up so quickly don’t they? You’ve obviously prepared him well …but I’m with you, little steps for both of you. Give him space..let him know that you’re there. My older one who’s 12 still looks back to see if I’m keeping an eye on him. He told me he actually likes to know that I still watch him even if he thinks he’ll be ok. I’ve always told him be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
so big and so small at the same time!
Aww. They grow so fast. I’m still in shock that my girls are going into grade 1 next year. Some independence is easy for me to give them, like getting dressed themselves (yipee!), but I understand that the walking somewhere alone will be a tough one (for me, not them). You’re a great Mama Grumble.
PS – I love his day glow soccer cleats, they rock!
Tracey, I feel ya. Just went through the same thing with my guy and he’s almost 10! It’s not the number, is it? It’s that in your eyes they’re still too small or maybe not quite big. It helps when I think about what I was doing at his age. True, it’s a different time but somehow it helps.
Oooohh!! I cried! I can’t imagine syaing yes! Granted my guys are only 17 months but still. Good for you mum xo